Summary

Harbor Blue convertible powered by a dual-quad 265/225hp V8 engine mated to a column-shifted Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. Professionally restored in 2015. From the Raser Collection.

Details

Steinmetz Restorations in Lancaster, OH, completed the concours-grade rotisserie restoration on this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible in 2015. Chevrolet was locked in a sales battle with Ford in the 1950s, resulting in aggressive and ongoing developments in styling and performance, both of which influenced the 1956 models in important ways. In September 1955, Chevrolet announced its intentions for the new model year, when engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov piloted a disguised 1956 Bel Air sedan to a new American Stock Car class record at Pikes Peak. The secret to his success was the car's 265ci small-block V8, a new version also available in the Corvette that employed dual inline Carter 4-barrel carburetors on an aluminum intake manifold for 225hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. The Steinmetz restoration has returned this 1956 Bel Air convertible to factory original condition in every aspect, from the authentically detailed engine compartment to correct factory markings and undercarriage. The body was stripped to bare metal and repainted in two-tone Nassau Blue and Harbor Blue, while the underside was correctly finished in Red Oxide primer. The dual-quad 265/225hp V8 engine features the correct code 1214 and 1215 Carter 4-barrel carburetors, distributor and Batwing air cleaner, and is mated to a column-shifted Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. The car's two-tone paint scheme is complemented by a light blue soft-top and sharp two-tone blue interior, and gets another touch of elegance in the wire wheel covers and Firestone wide whitewall tires. Further optioned with dual chromed outside mirrors, front and rear bumper guards, power steering and a Wonder Bar radio, this 1956 Bel Air convertible has been driven just under 50 miles since completion. From the Raser Collection.